The Wayside Inn is a nonprofit charitable Massachusetts corporation created in 1944 to own, operate, and maintain the Wayside Inn Historic Site, a campus of 9 historic buildings on more than 100 acres. Its mission promotes early American humanities through hospitality, education, and programming, and continues an innkeeping tradition dating back to 1716. The site provides an opportunity for visitors from near and far to gather, engage, and find meaning, relevance, and inspiration through a place-based exploration of history.
From its 18th century beginnings as an important stagecoach stop, to its 19th century immortalization by poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, to Henry Ford's expansion and historic preservation of the property as a living museum of American history in the 20th century, The Wayside Inn offers the 21st century visitor a unique window into over 300 years of American history.
The nine historic structures on our campus and under our care include:
Our majestic 100+ acre property is blessed with lush meadows, grassy fields, pine forests, babbling brooks, and beautiful ponds making it a peaceful and idyllic New England landscape seemingly lost in time. Explore our beautiful grounds with our trail map or enjoy a picnic on the lawn in front of the stone Grist Mill, listening to the rush of its soothing waterfall.
While private property, The Wayside Inn campus is free to access and enjoy and is maintained by The Wayside Inn Foundation through hospitality revenue and generous support from visitors like you.